The Messenger - First United Methodist Church

JUNE 2016
Summer time
Activities Are Here!
Kids Eat Free!
Costa Rica Mission Trip
Valley Mission Trip
Children’s Camp
Date: J uly 31—August 4, 2016
Location: Butman Methodist
Desk.
Registration Deadline: Fr iday, J uly 15,
2016
Walk to Emmaus—A 3 Day
Spiritual Retreat
Women—July 28—31 led by Virginia
Eschman
The Messenger
Ministries—2016
Page 2
JUNE—2016
The Ministry of OFFICE VOLUNTEERS
The church’s language about ministry refers to service. To serve another in the name and
spirit of Jesus is to be in ministry. All of God’s people are called to be ministering persons. Our
abilities are important resources for others. Ministry happens in a wide variety of settings: some
within the church, and some outside its immediate scope. (Making Disciples by William H.
Willimon, 1990). This article is part of a series of articles that will feature God’s people from
FirstChurch who are answering the call.
Carmen Martin
Here at FirstChurch, we are blessed with a devoted
group of volunteers, really “servants,” who provide a
loving outreach to anyone who calls or comes into the
office. It isn’t just a social outreach, but a welcome to
our community of faith. This group goes outside the
normal, and exceed expectations by going the second
mile for welcoming and helping office staff. This group
offers their creativity, their abilities, and their energy
to respond to questions, requests, problems, and needs
of the caller to connect with the right staff person for
the help they
seek. They
invite, welcome, receive, and
care for
members and
strangers.
They truly
show God’s
love and hospitality in the
manner of
Jesus to all
who phone or
walk through
our doors.
Larry Williams
Don’t forget to thank all of these wonderful workers.
Not pictured are: Kaye Pfluger, JoAnn Cortese, Rachel
Baring, Margie Belcheff, Koste Belcheff, Pat Massey,
JoAnn Motl, Pat Rosinbaum, Beppo Speck, Frieda Ingram and Grace Ahlschwede.
Jeanie Elder
Continued on pg. 3
Page 3
Mission & Service
Continued from pg. 2
Gene Walton
JUNE—2016
OFFICE WORKERS
Pat Haines
Martha Yarbro
Office Subs Needed
Betty Andrews
Jean Donaleson
If you are called to offer your time
to a wonderful and important ministry, subs are direly needed.
Schedules consist of half day commitments. Responsibilities are
primarily answering the phone and greeting people who come into
the door. Sometimes staff will ask for help stuffing envelopes or
sorting bulletins. Call Jeanie Elder at 949-6695 or Carmen Martin
at 949-3328. You will be truly blessed if you choose to help.
Page 4
Youth
JUNE—2016
Page 5
JUNE—2016
Generosity through Gifts
MAY MEMORIALS
IN MEMORY OF:
Roger Norall
Millard McAfee
GIVEN BY:
FUND:
Wesleyan Handbell Choir
Jack & Jane Ann Srader
IN HONOR OF:
Music Fund
Methodist Assistance
GIVEN BY:
FUND:
Dr. Karen Cody
Connie Fletcher,
Philia Club of San Angelo
Methodist Assistance
Pat & LaVerne Adams
Jack & Jane Ann Srader
Capital Campaign
METHODIST ASSISTANCE FUND
APRIL, 2016
Families assisted this month:
___69____ Types of Assistance:
Beginning Balance:
Amount deposited:
Total Amount Fund:
Amount used in assistance:
Ending Balance:
$ 8,818.20
$ 1,935.46
$ 10,753.66
$ 2,085.17
$ 8,668.49
Rent:
Electricity:
Gas:
Water:
Other:
Food:
__28__
4__
__ 1__
__ 6__
__ 3__
__72_
METHODIST ASSISTANCE FUND
MAY, 2016
Families assisted this month:
___63____ Types of Assistance:
Beginning Balance:
Amount deposited:
Total Amount Fund:
Amount used in assistance:
Ending Balance:
$ 8,668.49
$ 1,500.43
$ 10,168.92
$ 1,775.86
$ 8,393.06
Rent:
Electricity:
Gas:
Water:
Other:
Food:
__17_
9_
___0_
___7_
___0_
__51_
JUNE Food Drive
Please bring canned meat, Mac & Cheese, soups, travel size
toiletries, toothbrushes and toothpaste . Green collection
boxes are located in the FirstPlace Café and the Church Office. Send monetary donations to Juanita in the Church Office, with checks payable to First UMC and marked “Food Pantry” or place in
the Offering plate.
Page 6
Worship
JUNE—2016
First Family Services
Rev. Sam Hunnicutt
Senior Pastor
Rev. Sheree Harris
Associate Pastor
Rev. Dale Weise
Associate Pastor
SUNDAY WORSHIP SERVICES
In the Sanctuary…
8:30 a.m.
Traditional
10:45 a.m.
Traditional
In Celebration Hall...
11:00 a.m.
Contemporary
Worship Notes
10:45 Traditional service broadcast on KWFR 101.9
Childcare available during all services
Children are always welcome in worship. Worship activity bags are
outside the sanctuary.
Hearing Assistance Devices are available in the narthex.
FirstPlace Café & Info Desk
The open area next to Celebration Hall is our home to coffee and donuts, connections with our members and guests, and information about our
ministries.
The Info Desk is located in the main area near the entrance to the Education wing off of Beauregard Street.
Holy Communion
We celebrate Communion in all services on the first Sunday of each
month. We believe this is the Lord’s Table, and all are invited to participate in
this Sacrament.
Intinction—Each person is given a piece of bread and then dips it in
the juice before eating.
In Homes—We will take communion to the homebound.
655-8981 to schedule
OTHER SERVICES FOR WORSHIP AND FAITH DEVELOPMENT
Sunday School…
Classes for adults, young couples, youth, children and infants/
toddlers are held every Sunday beginning at 9:30 a.m. Brochures are available throughout the church to point you in the direction you wish to attend or
check online: firstmethodist.net, or call 655-8981 for more information.
Special Seasons and Events….
Morning Glories, a women’s prayer and study group, meet every
Tuesday morning at 10:00 am in the Journey Sunday School Classroom.
Studies are led by various members and include mission projects, prayers
and active discussions. An annual retreat highlights this group’s devoted
study and communion.
Other study groups are held throughout the year. Our online site will
list those courses that are available: firstmethodist.net or you can call the
office at 655-8981 for more information.
Lectionary Scriptures
JUNE 5
Third Sunday
After Pentecost
1 Kings 21:1-21a
Ps. 146
Gal. 1:11-24
Luke 7:11-17
JUNE 12
Fourth Sunday
After Pentecost
1 Kings 19:1-15a
Ps. 5:1-8
Gal. 2:15-21
Luke:7:36-8:3
JUNE 19
Fifth Sunday
After Pentecost
JUNE 26
Sixth Sunday
After Pentecost
2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14 Kings 18:20-39
Ps. 42
Ps. 77:1-2, 11-20
Gal. 3:23-29
Gal. 5:1, 13-25
Luke 8:26-39
Luke 9:51-62
MAY 29
Seventh Sunday
After Pentecost
2 Kings 5:1-14
Ps. 30
Gal. 6:(1-6), 7-16
Luke 10:1-11,16-20
Page 7
Faith Development-Study and Growth
JUNE—2016
Make Sunday School a Faith-led Habit!
Adult Sunday School Studies—JUNE 2016
If you are not involved in Sunday School, you are missing a vital part of your spiritual journey.
Study and learn with your Christian friends. There is a class for you.
3RD FLOOR ABOVE CELEBRATION HALL
The Harmony Class - Half Truths by Adam Hamilton—
Teacher– Rita Hale.
The Journey Class—John. Led by David & Laura Huckaby
The Bayith Class—Adult Bible Studies Series: Tests of Faith—Teacher—Richard Evans
Cheers— “Daniel” — Teacher—Johnny Fender
1st FLOOR—Library
The Bible Class—Jeremiah: “Jeremiah wasn’t a bullfrog!”: Adult Bible Studies.
Teacher—Romonda Ballard.
2ND FLOOR
Ruth-Parlor (first floor)— Adult Bible Series: Tests of Faith—
Teachers—Fran Sentell, Ann Dixon, Rosa Gonzales.
3RD FLOOR
CHI RHO-Room 302— “Route 66: We’re on a Mission from God.” An overview of
every book of the Bible. Teacher—David Lourash
Union-Room Room 305— Hollywood Jesus by Matt Rawle—
Teacher Tim Hunnicutt
Fellowship-Room 303—II Corinthians—Teacher—Buster Peek
S.T.E.R.-Room 304—Half Truths by Adam Hamilton — Teacher—Howard Coleman
CHURCH OFFICE Conference Room
Seekers— Half Truths by Adam Hamiliton— Teacher—Howard Coleman
BASEMENT
Companions-Lighthouse Room — Bible Study Teacher—Stanley Holik
New Class-Eagle Room— Before Amen by Max Lucado—Led by Various Class Members
Is your class starting a new study, or have information to share? Submit
your very brief information to Sherrie Walker at sherrie@firstmethodist.net.
Sunday School Brochures are available at worship entrances and give information regarding enrollment and location of rooms. Classes meet from 9:3010:30.
United Methodist Women
Meetings are held at 9:45 in the Library the 1st and 3rd Thursday of
the month. FMI contact the Church Office.
Page 8
Mission and Service
JUNE—2016
KIDS EAT FREE!
July 5—August 19, 2016
Kids Hunger doesn’t
take a Vacation…..
4.8 Million
Texans
Battle
Hunger
It’s time to sign on to help with Kids Eat Free!
FirstChurch has for the past 6 years traditionally prepared
meals delivered to Immanuel Baptist and Calvary Baptist
Churches, feeding an average of 200 meals each day for 35
days—7 weeks!
This year we will also prepare meals for Bethel United
Methodist Church. This is their first year to participate in the
program. We anticipate about 25 children will come to eat at
Bethel.
Sadly, Tom Green County has more than 60% of all students receive free or reduced meal benefits while in school. 1
out of every 4 families with children had times this past year
when there was not enough money to buy food. That represents 5,400 households in San Angelo!!
Fortunately, FirstChurch will receive help once again from St. Luke’s UMC and Emmanuel
Episcopal Churches. Each church team will prepare meals in our kitchen for 2 weeks each.
FirstChurch is responsible for 3 weeks.
Won’t you help? There are several ways your help can be used: Prayers of course!!!
Cooking as many days as you wish. . .
Delivery of the food to any of the sites. . .
Help purchasing groceries...a list and credit card are provided
This is a critical year since donations have been down. If you are able, monetary donations through our Memorials will help cover the costs of this ministry. We have
1 in 4 children
been fortunate in the past to not have to rely on funding from outside groups.
in Texas are
This has always been a totally church supported endeavor. We strive to keep
food-insecure
meals at less than $1.50 per plate. Your help in any way is most appreciated. Sign
up forms are in FirstPlace Café. FMI call 374-8798, Betsy Sadler.
House of Faith Summer Camp MEAL
at Lake Brownwood Retreat Center
House of Faith hosts two camps each July. All camp meals are provided by local
groups who travel to the Retreat Center (2 hrs each way) to prepare and serve the 300
campers/staff. FUMC sent a team in 2015 and we’ve been asked to serve lunch on
Tuesday, July 18, 2016.
We are currently looking for people to help plan this outreach project.
If this sounds interesting to you, please contact Sherrie
Walker in the Church Office (325) 655-8981 x130 or via
sherrie@firstmethodist.net.
Page 9
Church Family Prayers, Praises and Concerns
JUNE—2016
Amen to FirstFamily
Amen to our very own Glen Luhrs who is newly ordained and assigned to the Sabinal UMC. He
and his family will be missed, but we wish them a wonderful future bringing the love of Christ to
others.
Our Prayers and Concerns
HEALTH CONCERNS
Aiden Snyder
Leukemia
Al Herrington
Health Concerns
Bill Sims
Health Concerns
David Lourash
Health Concerns
Edward Rivas
Health Concerns
Ernest Lopez (son of Consuelo Lopez)
Health Concerns
Hadlee Holik (family of Stanley Holik)
Health Concerns
Jonathan Taylor (grandson Tommy &
Car Accident
Judy Holik (Shannon Hospital)
Recovery from Surgery
Margaret Norman
Rehab Therapy
Martha Yarbro
Health Concerns
Mary Hankins
Health Concerns
Mike Bodine
Health Concerns
Brenda Chapman)
Nancy Snodgrass (mother of Mary Witt) Health Concerns
Pat Brown
Health Concerns
Scott “Scotty” Knox
Rehab Therapy
Sheila Tusha
Health Concerns
Thomas “T-Byrd” Byrd
Health Concerns
Todd Sanford
Cont.’d Recovery from
surgery
Family of Gayle Harding (daughter of
D. 4/11/2016
Loyd Bell))
The Family of Barbara Gregory
D. 6/6/2016
(mother of Pastor Sam’s sister-in-law)
The Family of Zolly Jones (sister to
Polly Waterhouse)
D. 5/27/2016
CANCER
Ann Horn
Barry Kleypas
Bill Humble
Dr. Bruce Heare
Charlie Fleming
Cheryl Brazerol
Cindy Powell
Clinton Hodges
Connie Weems
Dawn McMinn Jackson
Dennis Frost
Dick Benson
Eddie Glasscock
Ellen Ely
Fred Buck
Fred Gudmundson
Goldie Horrall
Haylee Owen
Rev. Helen Brock
Jennifer Cooper
Jerry Tindel
John Dolliver
Kathy Robinson
Katie Ball
Kay Kennemer
Kim Hunter
Kinsley Baker
Lisa Larremore
Melissa James
Michaela Rigsby
Nicole Kleinsmith
Sheryl Bragg
Rev. Tina Carter
Tina Grant Whites
Ours Serving in Military
Ryan Gandy
Johnny Goldthrite
Randall Tye Graham
Mica Greenwood
Zane Jarvis
Josh Mort
Chris Mullen
August Pfluger
Danielle Pozun
Joshua Rodriguez
Jon P. Rogers
Phillip Santos
Yvonne Santos
Brian Sheffield
Ryan Tallant
Cory Tusha
Cameron Walker
Gina Webber
USAF
USA
USA
USN
USAF
USAF
USAF
USAF
USAF
USAF
USA
USAF
USAF
USN
USA
USAF
USAF
USAF
Page 10
Clerical Cogitations and Pastoral Ponderings
JUNE—2016
OFF TO ANNUAL CONFERENCE
It’s that time of year once again when we United Methodists do what United
Methodists the world over do. We go to Annual Conference. The first conference of Methodist preachers in the colonies was held in Philadelphia in 1773.
The ten who attended took several important actions. They pledged allegiance
to [John] Wesley’s leadership and agreed that they would not administer the
sacraments because they were laypersons. Their people were to receive the sacraments of baptism and the Lord’s Supper at the local Anglican parish
church... A system of regular conferences of the preachers was inaugurated
similar to those Wesley had instituted in England to conduct the business of the Methodist movement (Accessed from: http://www.umc.org/who-we-are/roots).
By the time you read this, your FUMC delegation will be meeting (9-12 June) at the American
Banking Convention Center in Corpus Christi. This will be only the second gathering of our newly
formed Rio Texas Conference which is a unification of the former Rio Grande, and Southwest Texas
Annual Conferences. Your delegation which includes, Gary and Leslee Bowen, Clay (alt. delegate)
and Cathy Hubbard, Duane Hamblin, and David and Anne Hardegree, along with Pastors Sheree,
David and Sam will take part in plenary sessions and special educational break-out sessions at the
conference.
When people ask what the annual conference is like, I try to explain it in terms of being like the
local church’s annual charge conference. Similar reports are given, some for information only and
others requiring vote and approval of the conference for adoption. The annual conference illustrates
the reality that each local church in the 54+ county area that makes up our Rio Texas Conference is
in fact ONE church working for common goals and a common mission in our various local settings.
Every delegate, both lay and clergy has a voice and vote, just like at the local charge conference. The
decisions made by the annual conference set the direction for the churches in the ensuing year.
The Conference is not just all about hearing reports and voting on things. We meet together each
day to worship and praise God, we join our voices and our hearts in liturgy and music from different
cultural traditions, all of which are represented in our annual conference area. We are blessed and
challenged by great, often prophetic preaching. We pray. We are nourished through Holy Communion (over 1,500 delegates). We remember in prayer, those clergy and spouses who have died since
we last met. We give God thanks and praise and celebrate the life and ministry of those clergy who
are retiring from active ministry.
For the clergy of our annual conference it is our annual homecoming. You see our membership is
not held in the local church. The annual conference is our church, so we look forward each year to a
wonderful family reunion, licensed local pastors, deacons, and elders a number of who have been
laboring in this vineyard for many years.
I wish every committed United Methodist church member could have the opportunity at least
once, to attend the annual conference and com to see that we are so much more than just FUMC in
San Angelo. We are part of a world-wide movement of God’s people called Methodists. Shalom,
Pastor Sam
An important meeting will be held Monday, June 13 at 5:30 for any members who wish
to be involved in discussion with John Thornburg from the Texas Methodist Foundation. It is encouraged for all church council members, committee chairs as well as
Sunday School attendees and church membership to attend: Celebration Hall—5:30,
Monday, June 13...This meeting is part of the Church Council’s efforts to bring about
self-examination and strategic planning for the church body. Join us in Holy Conversation as questions and observations from anyone present will be addressed.
JUNE—2016
Children’s Ministries
Page 11
VBS Donations
Please consider donating the following by
Monday, June 20th!
Toilet Paper Tubes,
Paper Towel Tubes,
Maps, Globes, Atlases, and Old Suitcases
Donations are accepted in First Place Café
and the Church Office.
See more on
Children’s
Ministry, page 14
Facebook.com/FUMCKidMin
Children’s Camp
Date: J uly 31—August 4, 2016
Location: Butman Methodist Camp
Open to children who will be going into 3rd,
4th, 5th, and 6th grades in the fall, 2016.
Pick up an information packet in the Church
Office or at the Registration Desk.
Registration Deadline: Fr iday, J uly 15, 2016
Page 12
Youth Ministry
JUNE—2016
Spreading “SPIRIT” throughout the
Northwest
GODSPELL
A Prayerful Sendoff!
Godspell Tour Sponsors and our
FirstYouth in costume
for performance…
This has been a wonderful tour with many
opportunities to reach
out and proclaim their
love of the story of
Christ to many
churches throughout
the Northwest.
Page 13
Opportunities for Faith Development
Morning Glories Studies
JUNE—2016
Upcoming Kelly Minter Bible Study: “What Love Is.
The Letters of 1, 2 & 3 John”
The letters of 1, 2 & 3 John were written to encourage followers of Jesus to remain faithful to the
truth. Believers are challenged to look at contrasting themes such as walking in the light instead of
darkness, truth versus lies and deception, loving God more than loving the world, and the meaning
of true fellowship and community rather than shallowness. This 7 session study reveals not only the
heart of John but also the heart of Jesus. A great addition to The Living Room Series that includes
recipes and a relational approach.
Join the Morning Glories for this study, led by Kelley Cole, on Tuesdays at 10am
which began May 31st. You are welcome to join us!
Kelly Minter coming to San Angelo this Fall!
GriefShare Support will begin on Mondays at 5:30 starting
July 11—October 10th. Register in FirstPlace Café. This is
a most helpful and supportive step in dealing with grief and
sadness due to a loss or death.
Director: Koste Belcheff
Cokesbury Christian Singers are an enthusiastic choir of people who love
to sing and share their gift with residents of nursing homes, with the congregations of FUMC and sometimes other churches, and anyone else who would
love to hear their beautiful voices. These singers invite you to join them...that
is, if you are 55 or older! That is all that is required!
Rehearsals are on Thursdays, at 2:00 pm. Scheduled performances for April
are listed below. Not sure about joining? Then come hear them sing. You will
be convinced to join.
JUNE
2
5
8
9
16
19
23
Thursday
SUNDAY
Wednesday
Thursday
Thursday
SUNDAY
Thursday
Rehearsal
FUMC (SR)
Baptist High Rise
Rehearsal
Christian Village
FUMC 11th HOUR
“END OF YEAR SOCIAL”
2:00
8:30
3:00
2:00
3:00
11:00
TBA
CCSingers will take June 30 to August 18 off for the Summer Break. Rehearsals will resume August
25th. Have a great summer!
Page 14
JUNE—2016
FKC Summer Club kids play games, do crafts, use their imaginations to construct
things, and most of all, learn about God’s love for them!
FirstKids’ Club PreK ladies show off
their homemade mermaid tales during
our Ocean Unit
FKC Summer Club started with a great field trip as we learned to stop, drop, and roll during
our Fire Safety unit with the help of the great staff at Concho Valley Gymnastics
Page 15
Ministry and Service
JUNE—2016
Valley Mission
June 19-June 25, 2016
FMI Pastor Dale Weise or Jeremy Harrison
COSTA RICA MISSION 2016
July 30—August 6, 2016
Surprising San Angelo Coffee Table Books
Surprising San Angelo coffee table books are available for purchase at
the help desk in FirstPlace Café. Check out our write up on page 101!
These make great “coffee table” books or gifts to friends who live in or
outside of San Angelo. The information is most helpful!
Come by and take a look…$39.95
Lincoln Middle School—Our
Adopted School
Many thanks to all our wonderful mentors and others who
supported our ministry with Lincoln Middle School students
and faculty this year. All those who prayed, wrote notes and
collected box tops, and especially, the mentors who met with an “at risk student” once a week for an
hour to share lunch and be a safe adult friend are profoundly thanked!
We had a special “make your own sundae” on May 19 for the faculty. Our last school day visit
for the mentors and mentees was very special. We visited the Special Education Therapy Barn and
enjoyed seeing and petting the animals.
Be sure and give a big “thank you” to mentors Jean Donaleson, Evelyn Hyman, Marci Baker,
Carol Santry, and Quang Le and a really big “thank you” to Twyla Tasker, who is the heart and soul
of this important ministry. Keep in mind this special ministry and consider becoming a mentor in
the fall.
Page 16
Announcements
Won’t you help us serve?
Shut-ins want to participate in
Communion. Join a special
group who visit and offer communion to shut-ins. Sometimes
once a week and only for a few
hours. Call Carol Santry, 944-5524.
Honor or memorialize someone or
something by placing flowers on the
Chancel. Contact Dori Wegner at
dori@wtxs.net or 254-718-6189.
FATHER’S DAY ROSES can be ordered now
through June 13th. $5.00 each, make checks
payable to UMW and indicate on check “for
rose.” Questions?? Call Jeanie Elder at 6552156. The roses will be displayed in bouquets
on Father’s Day, June 19th.
First United Methodist
Church
37 E. Beauregard
JUNE—2016
GAME DAY will be on Tuesday, April 19, 2016-3:00—
5:00 p.m. in FirstPlace Café.
Sponsored by the Mature
Adult Ministries Council, this
is a fun group who play for
fun but winning is good too! Game Day is
held every 3rd Tuesday of the month. Many
games are available, but dominoes seems to
be very popular. Here’s your chance to enjoy fellowship, food, friends, and a fun time
in FirstPlace Café. Come join us!
ESTATE PLANNING
When was the last time your will had a
check up? Does it express your desires?
Does it include your church that means
so much to you?